High Voltage Power Line Sensor For Installation And Removal By Aerial Drone

A system for installing a sensor on an electric power line, comprising:

• a power line sensor;
• a drone for installing the sensor on a power line comprising:
• a housing;
• a spring clip connection mechanism supported by the housing comprising an upper jaws, a lower jaws, and a trigger;
• a connecting rod removably attached to the upper jaws for installing the sensor onto a power line from an aerial drone;
• in response to the trigger coming into contact with the power line, the spring clamp simultaneously opening the upper jaws to release the connecting rod and closing the lower jaws to capture the sensor on the power line;
• a release mechanism for opening the lower jaws to release the sensor from the power line.

A high voltage sensor system, comprising:

• a power line sensor;
• a drone for installing the sensor on a power line;
• a remote transmission unit (RTU) for relaying power line measurements from the sensor to a remote located control center;
• a drone controller remotely controlling the drone during installation of the sensor;
• the drone controller receiving the power line measurements from the sensor relayed by the RTU for confirmation of proper operation of the sensor during installation of the sensor;
• wherein the power line sensor comprises:
• a housing;
• a connection mechanism supported by the housing comprising an upper jaws, a lower jaws, and a trigger;
• a connecting rod removably attached to the upper jaws for installing the sensor onto a power line from an aerial drone;
• in response to the trigger coming into contact with the power line, the spring clamp simultaneously opening the upper jaws to release the connecting rod and closing the lower jaws to capture the sensor on the power line.